Artist Advice #1 from Mr. Birmingham:

When you feel like you are afraid to make a mistake by drawing a line, draw it anyway!

When you feel like you are afraid to make a mistake by coloring with a certain color, color it anyway!

When you feel like you are afraid to cut in a certain spot, cut it anyway!

When you feel like you are afraid to make a mistake when painting, paint it anyway!

When you feel like you are afraid to make a mistake when sculpting, sculpt it anyway!

You do these things because they are not mistakes! They are proof that you are trying and they are valuable learning experiences that make you become a better artist!

THE SAME COULD BE SAID ABOUT ANY SUBJECT!
SO, BE BRAVE AND GIVE YOUR
BEST TRY IN ALL THAT YOU DO!

Artist Advice #2 from Mr. Birmingham:

When you are unsure of what to draw, LET YOUR MIND RUN WILD! Use your imagination! Artwork does not need to be predictable. Some of the best artwork makes others think and wonder. So, be a unique artist. Take a chance and become less predictable. This can also keep things fresh and entertaining for you as the artist! So, dare to be different!

The picture to the right is quite unique and can have different meanings for different people. Regardless of the meaning, there are different parts of this art that many wouldn't think of putting together! For that reason, this artist and this picture is quite original!

Artist Advice #3 from Mr. Birmingham:

Whether you have a lot of art supplies or you have just a few, it is important to use them to their fullest potential. Please don't ever complain about not having enough art supplies to create wonderful pieces of art. Some of the most amazing pieces of art are done with a pencil and a scrap piece of paper. Become comfortable with how each of your art supplies can be used in creating different pieces of art. For example, a sharp pencil can be used differently than a dull pencil. The value changes, the types of lines you can create changes, and the finish product can change as well. Think of art supplies like friends. Get to know them very well and enjoy their company. Just be sure to spend time with each of them. Finally, be sure to care for your supplies and they will be there for you when you need them!

Artist Advice #4 from Mr. Birmingham:

This piece of advice piggybacks off of the first piece of artist advice I gave above. It is extremely important to know that NOBODY is perfect! So, don't go out of your way to put off a piece of art because you are afraid what it will look like. Don't be afraid of what others will say about your creations. Allow yourself to accept the fact that nobody is a perfect artist. Just know that all artists are always trying to improve. The fact is that art can be quite rewarding when one sees an amazing finished piece of art. However, art can intimidate people who feel that they are no good. Remember, if you are one of those people that claims they can't draw a stick figure, I would spend some time drawing stick figures. You will be amazed by the progress you will make when you accept the fact that every piece of art won't turn out how you originally expected it. In fact, most pieces of art do not turn out how one expects it. So, worry more about small improvements and celebrate those moments. Have fun, stay calm, and keep drawing.